SWEPCO asks for $17.8 million rate increase (UALR Public Radio) - Southwestern Electric Power Co. is asking the Arkansas Public Service Commission for a $17.8 million rate increase.

SWEPCO officials say the cost-of-service increase would cost the average customer an additional $3.84 per month.

The increase comes after Shreveport, La.-based SWEPCO reached an agreement with the PSC staff, state attorney general's office and opponents in the case. The agreement calls for SWEPCO not to include any recovery costs for construction of a $2.1 billion coal plant in Hempstead County.

The company asked the PSC to rule on the request by Nov. 25 so it can include the increase in its December bills.

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